LAUSR

The ecological and faunal similarity between different communities of soil nematodes have been established in samples of dry-steppe soils with close genetic positions and soil-forming processes. Seventyeight species of soil nematodes from 41 genera, 24 families, and seven orders have been identified in seven model plots with different habitats. It has been shown that specific features of soil nematodes communities are manifested in the species diversity and dominance of certain trophic groups and genera. On the whole, nematode fauna can be evaluated as diverse (Shannon diversity index was 1.53‒2.35) and sufficiently mature (Bongers maturity index of communities was 2.83‒4.9); our data indicates the stability and weak disturbance of the living conditions of nematodes.